Late decision required for Mulgrew

Tony Mowbray will leave it as late as possible before deciding whether to pick Charlie Mulgrew for this Saturday's trip to Rochdale.

The Rovers captain limped out of Scotland's victory over Malta on Monday night, prompting fears that the defender could be set for an extended spell out of action.

But having been given a clear bill of health by the club's medical department, the manager will let the experienced campaigner decide whether he'll be available for this weekend's match.

"He seemed in a good mood this lunchtime, he was walking pretty freely," Mowbray told iFollow Rovers.

"The plan is to give him as much time as we can for this weekend. If that means putting his boots on and coming and training tomorrow then great. If that means leave it to Saturday to see how feels then we'll do that.

"But we'll give him every opportunity to be ready for the weekend. If he doesn't make it then he doesn't make it, but at this moment we are hopeful that he will make it.

"He's a big player for us, we need him on the grass. As he showed in the last fixture he was the scorer of two goals and he leads the team by his quality.

"So we are delighted that he isn't too serious damaged after his work with Scotland."

Elsewhere, Corry Evans and Jayson Leutwiler who were both away on international duty have reported back fit, whilst Bradley Dack and Derrick Williams have shaken off hamstring and groin injuries respectively.

"Corry was fantastic in training today, he has come back with a real spring in his step," added the manager.

"He obviously played a very key part in Northern Ireland's victory over the Czech Republic.

"Jayson Leutwiler having played for Canada against Jamaica, so they are all bright and breezy. Training has been very good this week I have to say. Today was short, sharp and intense, there was a real energy about their training. Hopefully that is because they are looking forward to the weekend and trying to continue the winning ways.

"Bradley Dack has trained every day that we've been training over the last week or so.

"It is just about trying to manage Bradley moving forward really. Whether that means in some games he comes off earlier, even if he is doing well. Other games he'll sit on the bench and come on and try and impact.

"Somewhere down the line we'll get to the point where he can play 90 minutes after 90 minutes, as with two pretty close together hamstring injuries we have to try and manage his minutes on the pitch.

"Derrick Williams has been back training all week, but apart from that Ryan Nyambe is still not close to it, Scotty Wharton and Darragh Lenihan we know about.

"So we'll train tomorrow, prepare a team and see if we can go to Rochdale and get a positive performance."

Deadline day signings Rekeem Harper, Sam Hart and Paul Downing will all be part of the first team squad that travels to Rochdale.

Not yet got your ticket for Saturday? Don't forget that there are no sales on the day at Rochdale so advance purchase from Ewood Park before 3pm this Friday is required.

Prices are £22 for Adults, £16 for Seniors 65 and over, £16 for 17-21 year-olds and £5 for Juniors aged 16 and under.

Buy in store at Ewood or via our call centre on 01254 372000. Online sales have now finished for this fixture.